Aislin is an eighteen-year-old thoroughbred gelding. He was rested for the last three months because of chronic lameness in the right front limb. The lameness did not improve with rest, corrective shoeing, or following the administration of Equipalazone (a standard anti-inflammatory and pain-killing drug).
When presented for an acupuncture assessment and treatment, the horse was tender in the low neck, shoulder, as well as the upper back - all the sites being located on the right side. Additionally, Aislin showed a definite tenderness on examination of the right front upper suspensory ligaments. The diagnosis of a soft tissue strain was made and appropriate acupuncture points were stimulated.
Only a few tender points around the shoulder were tender on the next visit five days later. A second acupuncture treatment was carried out then.
Subsequently, the horse was found to be sound and the owner started to ride him within a few days. No lameness was noted during the following six months.
Lameness is a common problem in horses. Indeed, it is imperative to establish the correct diagnosis first and to install an appropriate treatment thereafter. Should the cause be related to the hoof, a farrier should be consulted first. Indeed, any saddle problems must be handled accordingly, while any severe and acute lameness accompanied by local heat, deformity (including swelling) and/or infection should be evaluated and treated conventionally as a matter of urgency.
Acupuncture can be particularly useful in cases of soft tissue injuries located around the shoulder and hips. These injuries are usually due to muscle or ligament strain, or due to nerve irritation. Often, a number of muscles or other tissues are involved at the same time and must be treated accordingly.
